Summary:
 | Acupuncture originated 5,000 years ago in China. Today it is commonly used throughout the world. Chinese medicine theory holds that the human body contains a network of energy pathways through which vital energy, called "chi" (also spelled "qi"), circulates. These pathways are called "meridians." The meridians contain specific "points" that function like gates, allowing chi to flow through the body. Needles are inserted into these points to regulate the flow of chi. Illness and symptoms are thought caused by problems in the circulation of chi through the meridians. |
Scientific Evidence:
Uses These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.(for Acupuncture). Read more about acupuncture | | Grade* | | Dental procedures (pain) | B
| | Endoscopy procedure pain | B
| | Fibromyalgia (widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue) | B
| | Nausea after surgery (adults) | B
| | Nausea and vomiting (from chemotherapy) | B
| | Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (hyperemesis gravidarum) |
| | Osteoarthritis (OA) | B
| | Reduced back strain during pregnancy | B
| | Tennis elbow | B
| | Addiction (opiates) | C
| | Alcoholism | C
| | Annexitis | C
| | Anxiety | C
| | Arthritis | C
| | Asthma | C
| | Back pain (chronic) | C
| | Bell's palsy | C
| | Breast cancer (vasomotor symptoms) |
| | Burns (pain) | C
| | Cancer pain | C
| | Cardiovascular conditions (low pulse pressure syndrome) | C
| | Carpal tunnel syndrome | C
| | Cerebral infarction | C
| | Cerebral palsy | C
| | Cervical spondylosis | C
| | Chest pain (angina pectoris) | C
| | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | C
| | Chronic pain | C
| | Cocaine dependence | C
| | Cognitive disorders (affect mental functions) | C
| | Colitis | C
| | Dementia (memory loss, disorientation) | C
| | Depression | C
| | Diabetes | C
| | Dry eyes | C
| | Dry mouth (xerostomia) | C
| | Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) | C
| | Dyspepsia (upset stomach) | C
| | Enlarged prostate | C
| | Enuresis (bed-wetting) | C
| | Erectile dysfunction | C
| | Headache | C
| | Hearing loss | C
| | Heart disease | C
| | Hemiplegia (full or partial paralysis of one side of the body) | C
| | Hemorrhage (cerebral, vocal cords) | C
| | High blood pressure | C
| | Hysterectomy | C
| | Infertility | C
| | Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) | C
| | Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | C
| | Itching | C
| | Kidney disorders | C
| | Menopause | C
| | Musculoskeletal problems | C
| | Myofascial pain | C
| | Nausea and vomiting (postoperative in children) | C
| | Neck pain | C
| | Pain (craniofacial) | C
| | Pain after surgery | C
| | Parkinson's disease | C
| | Pelvic pain in pregnancy | C
| | Peripheral neuropathy (HIV) | C
| | Polycystic ovary syndrome | C
| | Post-herpetic neuralgia | C
| | Pregnancy and labor | C
| | Raynaud's disease | C
| | Rectal prolapse | C
| | Rheumatoid arthritis | C
| | Rhinitis | C
| | Pain (shoulder) | C
| | Sinusitis (chronic) | C
| | Skin disorders | C
| | Spinal cord injury | C
| | Stroke recovery | C
| | Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) | C
| | Tourette's syndrome | C
| | Trigeminal neuralgia (primary) | C
| | Urinary tract infection (UTI) | C
| | Uticaria (rash) | C
| | Vertigo (cervical) | C
| | Vulvodynia (vulva pain) | C
| | Weight loss | C
| | Smoking cessation | D
| | Tinnitus (ringing of the ears) | D
| | Whiplash (adjunct) | D
| | *Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work). |
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Technique:
| There are many different types of acupuncture, both in the Orient and in the West. Aside from needles, other methods of stimulation are also considered forms of "acupuncture." These include the use of heat from burning herbs placed on the points ("moxibustion") and the placement of herbal pastes on specific points. | | Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) usually combines acupuncture with Chinese herbs. | | Classical acupuncture (also known as five element acupuncture) uses a different needling technique and relies on acupuncture independent without herbs. | | Japanese acupuncture uses smaller needles than the other types. | | Medical acupuncture refers to acupuncture practiced by a conventional medical doctor. | | Auricular acupuncture treats the entire body through acupuncture points in the ears only. | | Electroacupuncture uses electrical currents attached to acupuncture needles. |
Safety:
| Needles must be sterile in order to avoid disease transmission. | | Avoid with valvular heart disease, infections, bleeding disorders or with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (anticoagulants), medical conditions of unknown origin, neurological disorders. Avoid on areas that have received radiation therapy and during pregnancy. | | Use cautiously with pulmonary disease (like asthma or emphysema). Use cautiously in elderly or medically compromised patients, diabetics or with history of seizures. | | Avoid electroacupuncture with arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or in patients with pacemakers. |
  | Natural Standard Monograph(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright 2007 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited. |
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